New Zealand vs. Belgium Prediction: FIFA World Cup Odds, Betting Picks
The FIFA World Cup’s Group G standings are up in the air as Belgium takes on New Zealand in the final round of group stage play. Either side could technically still go through and finish first, so teams will be fiercely vying for three points at a minimum.
Tune in for Belgium’s potential last game of the 2026 World Cup as kickoff hits the turf at 11 p.m. ET Friday night.
Check out our full list of live 2026 World Cup betting odds.
New Zealand vs. Belgium FIFA World Cup: How to Watch and Match Info
- June 26, 11 p.m. ET at Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Streaming on TSN, TSN+
- Forecast in the area indicates 18°C temperatures, 80 per cent humidity, and clear skies.
New Zealand vs. Belgium Betting Odds
While New Zealand still has a chance to qualify, they now face the pound-for-pound toughest team in the group with +1400 odds to win, as their European opponents, Belgium, make their way as the -525 favourites. A draw could occur at +650, and an over 2.5 goals is priced as the more likely option at -200, with under 2.5 at +160.
New Zealand vs. Belgium Predicted Starting XI Lineups
New Zealand predicted starting XI (4-4-2):
– Callum McCowatt (ST) – Chris Wood (ST) –
Elijah Just (LM) – Marko Stamenic (CM) – Joe Bell (CM) – Sarpreet Singh (RM)
Liberato Cacace (LB) – Michael Boxall (CB) – Finn Surman (CB) – Tim Payne (RB)
— Max Crocombe (GK) —
New Zealand’s only switch from Game 1 to Game 2 was their shape, as they pushed Callum McCowatt from left midfield in a 4-2-3-1 to striker in a 4-4-2. Their flat 4-4-2 shape worked out much better against Iran, and to counter Belgium’s personnel, they may revert to the 4-4-2 to sit in a low block here with no swaps.
Belgium predicted starting XI (4-3-3):
– Leandro Trossard (LW) – Romelu Lukaku (CF) – Jeremy Doku (RW)
Youri Tielemans (CM) – Kevin De Bruyne (CM) – Amadou Onana (CM)
Timothy Castagne (LB) – Brandon Mechele (CB) – Arthur Theate (CB) – Thomas Meunier (RB)
— Thibaut Courtois (GK) —
Belgium made several tactical changes in their second match, with players like Jeremy Doku exiting the tourney due to the birth of his firstborn, Romelu Lukaku starting, and Amadou Onana on the bench, which resulted in zero goals for the team two games in a row. With Doku returning, they may try a heavily offensive 4-3-3 shape with Kevin De Bruyne behind Lukaku. However, they will have to make do without Nathan Ngoy due to a red card suspension, with Timothy Castagne and Onana both coming back to the starting line.
New Zealand FIFA World Cup Odds and News
The Oceanic side’s time to strike is now, as Belgium has never looked weaker. They may reside in last place on the standings, but that hardly matters, because a win here could put them through on four points. New Zealand has been offensively more threatening than their opponents with 23 shots, 13 on target between both games, finding the back of the net three times.
Elijah Just leads his team with two goals so far after scoring a brace against Iran, and comes into this one set to score at +800. But, the 6’3″ forward Chris Wood is expected to earn his first goal of the tournament for his team anytime at +425 odds, which could be crucial to sending his team to the knockout round.
Belgium FIFA World Cup Odds and News
Doku’s return to the Belgium squad could be the biggest factor affecting this game, as he recovered from his illness and was able to convene with his wife to see his firstborn child. The European contenders are one of the few teams to have just one goal to their name, although they haven’t truly had a player on their side score as their only goal-for comes from an own goal in their first game.
However, the struggling Belgium side can still come out first in the group on five points if all goes according to plan. But, it will take the utmost focus from Romelulu Lukaku, Doku, De Bruyne, and company. Lukuku is set to score his first goal of the tournament anytime here at -150, which would make him a potential hero of the night if he finds the back of the net.
New Zealand vs. Belgium Player Odds and Props
One of the world’s best midfielders has yet to make an impact for his side, and with potentially his last World Cup on the line, he’s got to at least set up one of his teammates here.
Doku boasts incredible pace and dribbling ability, and has yet to earn his first goal of the tournament, which he is likely to do here on his fresh return to the squad with Belgium in desperate need of goals.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Bracket and Futures
- Odds to win the group – Belgium (+225)
- Odds to qualify – Belgium (-2500), New Zealand (+1100)
- Odds to win the World Cup – Belgium (+5000), New Zealand (+200,000)
New Zealand vs. Belgium Score Prediction
Belgium has many top-class players at its disposal, but they haven’t hit their stride yet, with their only upside being that they have played defensively sound, allowing just one goal so far in the tournament.
On the flipside, though, New Zealand’s size could prove useful for scoring against the Belgians, especially on set plays, as the team has scored in every game so far.
Overall, expect a 1-1 draw from Belgium’s continued lackluster offensive performance, with New Zealand likely to strike once again, which would ultimately see their exit from the tournament, leaving the Europeans’ fate in the hands of the Egypt vs Iran result.